To achieve the ultimate balance of savory depth, moisture, and a savory crust, this recipe relies on a carefully proportioned spice blend combined with a touch of healthy oil to help the seasonings adhere and caramelize.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 to 1.2 pounds total), trimmed of excess fat and patted completely dry with paper towels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by taking your boneless, skinless chicken breasts out of the refrigerator and allowing them to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry using clean paper towels. If your chicken breasts vary drastically in thickness, use a meat mallet to gently pound the thick end so that the entire breast has a relatively uniform thickness of about ¾ inch.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Stir the spice mixture well with a small spoon or fork to ensure all the individual spices are evenly distributed.
- Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil evenly over both sides of the prepared chicken breasts. Use your hands or a basting brush to rub the oil all over the meat, ensuring every surface is lightly coated. Sprinkle the spice blend generously over the chicken and use your fingers to gently press the spices into the meat so they stick firmly during the cooking process. Be sure to season both the top and bottom sides, as well as the edges.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is a little bit of space between each piece for proper air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook them in two separate batches. Set the cooking time for 15 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
- At around the 12 to 14-minute mark, check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts by inserting a reliable digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The chicken is safely done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a clean cutting board or a warm serving plate. Let the chicken rest undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Uniform Thickness: Consistency in thickness is the secret to preventing the thinner ends of the chicken breast from drying out while the thickest part finishes cooking. Do Not Skip the Resting Period: Allowing the meat to rest is non-negotiable for achieving maximum juiciness. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adapt the seasoning profile to match whatever meal you are pairing this with. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat, or swap the oregano for cumin and coriander for a Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
